Kidney stones are one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract. About four to eight per cent of Australians suffer from them at some time.

The lifetime risk of developing kidney stones is one in ten for Australian men and one in 35 for women.

The chance of developing a stone increases if you have a family history of kidney stones. The risk also increases as you get older.

Kidney stones are more common in children in developing countries and among Indigenous Australians.

After having one kidney stone, about 30 to 50 per cent of people will get a second one within five years. After five years the risk of getting another stone declines for most people. Some people continue to get kidney stones their whole lives.